NHS Bromley CCG is proposing the changes to prescriptions - have your say via its survey

Bromley’s NHS Clinical Commissioning Group is seeking the public’s views on proposed changes to what is available on prescription in Bromley.

The CCG is proposing to no longer support the routine prescribing of health supplements and self-care medications for short term illnesses and injuries that will get better over time.

Dr Andrew Parson, clinical chair of the CCG, said: “We want to support people to lead longer, healthier lives in Bromley. We want them to take care of their minor ailments and injuries at home and seek help when it is needed.

“After careful consideration and discussions with local health professionals and our GP members, we are proposing to no longer support the routine prescriving of healthcare supplements and self-care medication for acute illnesses that will get better.

“The Bromley population is growing and we have to carefully consider how we use our finite resources to get the best health and wellbeing outcomes for out residents.

“By asking people to purchase their oen self-care medicines such as paracetamol, antihistamines, cough medicines etc, we could potentially save up to £1 million which can be better spent on other health treatments.

“This proposal could also help to ease the pressure on GPs by reducing the amount of time spent seeing patients with minor ailments that could be treated at home and have more time to support those with complex health conditions.

“We encourage people to keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home ans seek advice from their pharmacist for minor ailments and injuries. Pharmacists are experienced clinicians who can provide a range of advice. They will also advise when someone does need to see their GP.”

The medicines covered in this proposal can be purchased from a pharmacy or supermarket, and this proposal is not just taking place in Bromley.

NHS England recently announced that more effort needs to be made to reduce NHS spending.

To have your say on these proposals please read the proposal leaflet on the CCG website at www.bromleyccg.nhs.uk and use the online survey.

Views are being sought up to 8 October and a decision will be made at the Bromley CCG Governing Body meeting on 16 November 2017 which is held in public.